1998 THAILAND BIRD REPORTS

BIRD CONSERVATION SOCIETY OF THAILAND (BCST Bulletin)

E-mail: bcst[at]box1.a-net.net.th

RECENT REPORTS November 1998-January 1999

There were 7 Black-headed Ibises at Ban Thasadet (Suphanburi) on 10
January (PS) with two more, and a single Painted Stork in flooded paddies
in Muang District, Suphanburi on the same day (KUWC). Another Painted Stork
was found at Sanambin Non-Hunting Area (Buriram) on 23 January (NA). In a winter
when no major concentrations of ducks were reported, the most significant
records were 14 Spot-billed Ducks on the Mekong River at Chiang Saen
(Chiang Rai) on 1 January, with a male Ruddy Shelduck there on 2 January
(ST); two Common Shelduck, only the second record for Thailand, on Bung
Boraphet (Nakhon Sawan) on 16 January (KK & PK); and six Comb Ducks on
Sanambin on 23 January (NA). Four wetland sites in Buriram (Huai Chorakhe Mak,
H. Talad, Sanambin and Nong Sanoh) produced among them only 4 Common Teal,
one Northern Shoveler and ca. 90 Northern Pintail during 3-23
January (NA). A drake Mallard and 4 Spot-billed Ducks were
reported from Nong Bong Khai (Chiang Rai) on 3 February (PKr,SK).

A possible juvenile Bonelli's Eagle was seen at ca. 1000 m on Doi Ang
Khang (Chiang Mai) on 5 December (TT) and a Eurasian Kestrel at Kasetsart
University Bangkhen Campus (Bangkok) on 8 January (KUWC). Three Silver
Pheasants (two males and a female) on Doi Suthep on 7 December (JK) was a
welcome confirmation of the survival of this species on this mountain. A
Water Rail at Nong Bong Khai on 30 December (TTa) and 1 January (TT) was
still present on 3 February (PKr,SK). A Black-tailed Crake at Doi Chiang
Dao (Chiang Mai) on 24 January (SS) was the third sighting at this, Thailand's
second known location. A concentration of 200 Eurasian Coot was noted on
Huai Chorakhe Mak (Buriram) on 6 December (NA). Three Nordmann's Greenshanks
and 450 Terek Sandpipers were counted at Krabi River mouth on 28 January
(KingBird) and 40 Spotted Redshank at Naong Sanoh on 16 January (NA).

A wader survey by boat between the Bangkok Municipal boundary in the east,
west to Ban Krasa Khao, west of the Tachin River Mouth, in Samut Sakhon
Province, on 4 February, produced between 3000 and 4000 waders. The most
numerous species were Pacific Golden Plover (1140); Sandplovers
(530); Curlew Sandpiper (350), Common Redshank (ca. 1000),
Common Greenshank (120), and, very surprisingly, 270 Bar tailed Godwits.
This is a most unusual and unexpected concentration of Bar-tails for the Inner
Gulf. Other noteworthy birds were 20 Eurasian Curlew, 38 Ruddy
Turnstone and a single Great Crested Tern (KKCC, BCST, WI). The same
team covered Don Hoi Lot (Samut Songkhram) by boat on 7 February, adding 2,000
sandplovers (mainly Lesser Sandplovers), 200 Grey Plover, 150
Pacific Golden Plover, 200 Black-tailed Godwits, 100 Ruddy
Turnstone and 30 Great Crested Terns. Several dolphins (probably
Bottle-nosed) were also seen. (Data from Bangpoo and Wat Kalong to Rangjan, and
Ban Laem, Phetchaburi, covered during 5-6 February is not yet available.
However, this is probably so far the most complete survey of waders in the inner
gulf ever carried out)

Significant concentrations of the nationally threatened Pompadour Pigeon
were seen at Thung Salaeng Luang (Phitsanuloke), with 400-500 birds on 10-13
December (KUWC) and six at Sala Phrom, Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (Chaiyaphum)
on 23 January (KUWC). An Ashy Woodpigeon was seen on Doi Pha Hom Pok on
10 December, and 29 Speckled Woodpigeons on 15 December (TT). An
Alexandrine Parakeet was present in Lumphini Park (Bangkok) on 12 December
(BCST); and 6-8 Red-breasted Parakeets, a male Asian Emerald Cuckoo
and 3 Small Minivets at Wat Song Phluu, Bang Kruay District (Nonthaburi)
on 7 December (SKh). Another male Asian Emerald Cuckoo was at Kasetsart
University, Bangkhen, on 5 December (KUWC), with awintering Large
Hawk Cuckoo on 6 and 15 December (KUWC).

A flock of 30 Long-tailed Broadbills was seen in Wiang Heng District
(Chiang Mai) on 28 November (JK). Six Long-tailed Broadbills were
apparently engaged in cooperative nest-building activities near the Sala Phrom
Guardstation of Phu Khieo on 15 January (KUWC). Two Brown-rumped Minivets
were reported in a mixed flock with Ashy Minivets at Bang Tieo on 23 December
(KB,KW), while records of Brown-rumped Minivet were also received from
Phu Luang Wildlife Sanctuary (Loei), where there were also 80-100 Nepal House
Martins, near the Nam Khai Guard Station on 4-5 February(KUWC). A
Short-tailed Parrotbill was seen at Phu Luang on 6 December (KUWC) and a
possible male Blue-fronted Robin was reported at this site also during 8
and 10 December (KUWC). A Eurasian Blackbird was present at Huai
Thungthao (Chiang Mai) from at least 19 December onwards (TB).Three elisaeNarcissus Flycatchers were reported from Bang Tieo: a female or immature
on 23 November (PC,AS) and a second female/immature and a male on 22 December
(KB,KW). An Asian Paradise-flycatcher was at Kasetsart University,
Bangkhen on 5 December (KUWC). There were flocks of 200 Chestnut-tailed
Starlings at Thung Kamang, Phu Khieo on 15 January (KUWC), 30
White-shouldered Starlings at Huai Talad NHA on 2 December (NA) and 114
Black-headed Greenfinches at No Leh, Doi Ang Khang on 31 December (TT). A
male Scarlet Finch was seen on Doi Pha Hom Pok on 16 December with 7
Spot-winged Grosbeaks on 15 December (TT). Five more Spot-winged
Grosbeaks were found on Doi Inthanon on 22 January (KingBird) and a male
Red Avadavat and 100 Java Sparrows at Kastsart University, Bangkhen
on 20 December (KUWC).

Surveys at Phu Jong Na Yoi

A Cambridge University team carried out a brief wildlife survey in Phu Jong
Na Yoi National Park, Ubon Ratchathani, during December 1998-January 1999. Among
their more significant findings was confirmation of the presence of several
nationally or globally threatened mammals, including Sunda Pangolin, Slow Loris,
Pileated Gibbon, Pig-tailed Macaque, bear, Golden Jackal and Sambar . Their bird
records included a male niltava which was probably a Fujian Niltava and a
possible Japanese Thrush. Further details are eagerly awaited.

RECENT REPORTS - 30 December 1998

Two Spot-billed Pelicans were photographed on the lake by the railway
station at the science park, Wa Ko (Prachuap Khiri Khan) on 16 November (CN) and
were said to visit the site daily. Four Chinese Egrets were seen at Haat
Pakarang (Phang-nga) on 22 October (KrK, PS). Three Painted Storks were
at Samut Sakhon on 31 October (JWa). A Greater Adjutant flew over Khao
Pheng Maa (Prachinburi) on 1 November (AK,SS). A large count of 32
Spot-billed Ducks was obtained on the Mekong River in Muang District (Nong
Khai) on 29 November (RJ). A pair of Tufted Ducks were the only
Aythya ducks noted at Nong Bong Khai (Chiang Rai) on 9 December (RJ & SJ,
DM), though a pair of Baer's Pochard were earlier seen on Bung Boraphet (Nakhon
Sawan) on 6 December (PPVD). Jerdon's Baza was reported from Nam Nao on
20 December (PJ,NN). A flock of 6-8 Black Bazas flew over Khon Kaen
University Campus (Khon Kaen) at 0645 h on 24 October (PJ, NN) and 800 were seen
on migration from the main Asian Highway in Sawi District (Chumphon) on 25
October (KrK,PaS). A Grey-headed Fish-Eagle was reported along the Khlong
Sok (Surat Thani) on 9 September (MC). and another from Khlong 4, Chalerm
Prakiat (Pa Phru) Wildlife Sanctuary (Narathiwat), 14 October (ST). Over 1000
hawks, said to be Accipiter sp. passed over Ban Laem (Phetchaburi) on 4
October (KUWC).

A female-plumaged Eurasian Kestrel and male Orange-breasted Pigeon
at Thung Salaeng Luang (Phetchabun) on 25 and 24 October respectively (PS) were
both additions to the list of this underwatched but extremely interesting site.

A Grey-headed Lapwing was seen near Laem Son (Ranong) on 23 October
(PP) and a River Lapwing on the Kok river near Tha Ton (Chiang Mai) on 9
December (RJ&SJ, DM et al.). Eleven more River Lapwings were
seen on rivers in Kapong District (Phang-nga) on 22 October (KrK,PS, ),
ironically the only known "stronghold" of this nationally threatened species
remaining in the country . A single Malaysian Plover was reported from
Haat Pakarang on 22 October along with an unprecedentedly large number of 150
Ruddy Turnstone (KrK,PaS). 30 Red Knot at Pak Thale, Ban Laem
(Phetchaburi) on 10 October (AW) would be an unusually large number for a
species which is infrequently found in very small numbers among Great Knot
flocks. There were 20 Black-tailed Godwits and 2 Terek Sandpipers
at Samut Sakhon on 31 October (JW). 1200 Black-tailed Godwits at Bang Poo
on 22 November (WS) and 10 December (JW,PDR,UT) was a record count for
midwinter. A Pied Avocet (only the fifth Thai record) was also present at
Bang Poo on the first of these dates, and stayed until at least 2 December (WS).

This is turning into a record winter for "odd" gulls in the gulf. There were
two first winter and one third winter Great Black-headed Gulls at Bang
Poo on 22 November (WS), together with what seemed to be an adult Heuglin's
Gull (possibly nominate L.h heuglini), and one other large,
strikingly white-headed, but dark-backed, immature gull, the identity of which
is not yet resolved (WS). A Slender-billed Gull (age not mentioned) was
seen at Bang Poo on 2 December (WS). The same three Great Black-headed Gulls,
the "mystery gull" (above), and two forms of first winter "herring gull" were
photographed on the weekend of 28/29 November (PL,KS,VS,SarT) yielding excellent
quality images.

By 10 December one first winter GreatBlack-headed Gull
remained, together with no fewer than four first winter "herring gulls"
apparently conforming to three distinct forms (PDR,UT,JW), two of which were
dark-billed and one of which was strikingly large and pale-billed. On 27
December, there was again a single Great Black-headed Gull, two first
winter "herring gulls", one with a short, mainly black bill and one with a
longer, pale-based bill (JWKP, PDR, WS,SukT). A first winter Black-tailed
Gull -- same date and locality -- was also a very pleasant surprise!
(KR,PDR,ST). The latter was possibly the same individual first reported from
Bang Kaew, Ban Laem (Phetchaburi) on 10 December (NK,AW).

A juvenile Hodgson's Hawk Cuckoo was being fed by 2 White-rumped
Shamas, daily during 9-17 August near Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park headquarters
(Phatthalung), and a pair of Barred Eagle Owls were seen nearby during
15-22 September (MC). Buffy Fish Owl was reported from Laem Son (Ranong)
on 11 September and Hat Chao Mai (Trang) on 21st October (MC). A number of
observations, apparently all made from, or in the vicinity of an observation
tower at Hala-Bala wildlife sanctuary (Narathiwat) during 11-14 October were a
female Cinnamon-rumped Trogon, 5 Wrinkled Hornbills, 4 male and 4
female Plain-pouched Hornbills, 14 Helmeted Hornbills and 5
Great Hornbills (ST). A pair of White-crowned Hornbills was seen at
Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary (Krabi) on 5 October (KUWC).

Ruddy Kingfisher was reported from Khao Pu-Khao Ya on 10 October (MC).

Interesting (and belated) details of migrant pittas were recorded from Doi
Suthep-Pui by DK, with Hooded Pittas on 5 May and 21 October 1998; 27 and
31 October 1996 and 12 November 1995. A single Blue-winged Pitta was also
observed on 6 November 1995. Young Scaly-crowned Babblers were seen still
in the nest at Hala-Bala on 11 October (ST). A male and a female Golden Bush
Robin were seen near the summit car-park of Doi Inthanon on 1-2 December (RJ
& SJ, DM, PW) and a female in the summit bog on 15 December (NO,NS). A possible
male Blue-Fronted Robin was reported from Kiw Mae Pan, Doi Inthanon on 5
November (WS). A male Jerdon's Bushchat was seen 2 km upstream of Chiang
Saen (Chiang Rai) on 9 December (RJ and SJ, DM). A River Chat was present
at Tan Mok Waterfall, Mae Rim (Chiang Mai) on 5 November (JK). There were three
White-throated RockThrushes at Khao Yai during the weekend of
12-13 December, with males at Haew Narok (LKS et al..) and near the
headquarters (BCST); and a female at Kong Kaeo (PDR). Another White-throated
Rock Thrush (male) was found on Kasetart University Campus (Bangkok) on 11
November (KUWC). Another River Chat and a female Siberian Thrush
were seen at Phu Kradeung (Loei) on 24 November (RJ). Two male Grey-winged
Blackbirds were present by the Ang Ka Nature Trail, Doi Inthanon on 5
November (WS). A Dark-sided Flycatcher was seen near Bang Tieo on 19
December (PDR) and a Ferruginous Flycatcher at Khao Pu-Khao Ya on 5
October (MC). Further Ferruginous Flycatchers were found in the Bang Tieo
area of Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary (Krabi) during 5, 7 and 9 October
(KUWC) and at Doi Khun Tan (Lampang) on 24 October (ST). Two, possibly three,
Mugimaki Flycatchers (all either first-winter males or females) were present
in the Kong Kaeo area of Khao Yai on 12-13 December (BCST) with another at Bang
Tieo on 20 December (AP,PDR). A male Cyornis at Kasetsart University,
Bangkok on 11 November was identified on throat pattern as Hill Blue Flycatcher,
presumably of the migrant race magnirostris (KUWC). A male Asian
Paradise-flycatcher (white morph) was seen at Khok Kham (Samut Sakhon) on 20
November (KKCC). Five Buff-throated Warblers were seen in pines on Phu
Kradeung on 24 November (RJ) with a Radde's Warbler outside the BCST
office at Ramindra (Bangkok) on 6 November (PM). A probable Brown Bush
Warbler was seen and taped near Km 31, Doi Inthanon on 3 December (PW).
There was a flock of 50 Vinous-breasted Starlings and 20-25 Jungle
Mynas by the side of the Asian Highway at Thung Pa La Moh, Sawi District
(Chumphon) on 25 October (KrK,PaS). A new locality record for White-vented
Myna was Tambol Thung Sai, Sichol District, Nakhon Si Thammarat, where a
single bird was present among Jungle Mynas and Common Mynas at on 15 November
(PA,SA,K?)

Khao Nor Chuchi News

BCST survey workers and Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary staff have
been implementing joint surveys of human use and biodiversity in both forest and
cultivated areas at Khao Nor Chuchi since July 1998, on behalf of the Khao Nor
Chuchi Lowland Forest Project. There have been a number of interesting findings,
among which has been the frequency of mammal signs, including barking deer and
civets, notwithstanding the high level of human use and habitat disturbance.
Most surveys were concentrated in the extreme lowland forest of the national
reserve forest, rather than in the (mainly hilly) wildlife sanctuary itself. The
data collected will go towards production of a small handbook on biodiversity
monitoring methods, and in producing a biodiversity profile for the sanctuary

Major management achievements implemented during 1998 have been the
redemarcation of ca. 22 km of the boundary of the Bang Khram National Reserve
Forest with 140 new concrete posts, and detailed mapping and ground-checking of
land-use carried out thanks to the collaboration of the Forest Engineering
Division, Royal Forest Department and the Nakhon Si Thammarat Regional Forest
Office. This now sets the stage for the next phase of the project, which, it is
hoped will lead to zoning of land inside the National Reserve Forest, allowing
for rehabilitation of forest habitat in some key corridors.

Local people in the village of Ban Bang Tieo remain relentless hunters of
wildlife. However, they now have to contend with much more active suppression
and protection efforts than at any time in the past three years, thanks to the
good work of Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary Superintendent, Mr. Komol
Jaisawang, and his staff. One poacher, Sommai Kaewphloi, was caught red-handed
with a dead mouse-deer and a wild boar in Khao Pra-Bang Khram Wildlife Sanctuary
at 0130 h on 5 November 1998. The culprit was gaoled at Khlong Thom police and
subsequently released on bail. An arrest warrant was also issued for another
Bang Tieo villager, Wichian Kaewphloi, who ran from the crime scene. Both
villagers are relatives of the Ban Bang Tieo village headman, Mr. Somporn
Kaewphloi.

A young wild boar was rescued from one of a long line of snares (raew)
set in the forest during mid-December,and released. A young Pig-tailed Macaque,
found in another line of snares on Phaen Din Samur during early December, is now
making a recovery at the sanctuary headquarters since it had damaged one of its
legs in the struggles to free itself. In both cases, the snare-lines were
dismantled and destroyed by wildlife sanctuary staff.

Forest clearance has continued apace during 1998. The cumulative number of
clearings in the project area of Bang Khram Reserve Forest and the adjacent
parts of the wildlife sanctuary, rose from 127 in May 1998 to over 140 by
October 1998 and new clearings are still appearing, so that the present number
approaches 170 at present. This is no reflection on the performance of the
current sanctuary superintendent and his men, who are working as hard as they
can to undo the damage created by the poor performance of his two predecessors,
during March 1996 to October 1997. During that period, so many problems were
allowed to build up that only prolonged and sustained commitment by both RFD and
province authorities will even begin to halt the latest round of forest
encroachment. A further complication is that some village leaders (e.g.,
deputy village headmen and other Tambol Administrative Organization members) and
their relatives are themselves engaged in clearing forest to plant oil-palm.
This creates a bad feeling among the law-abiding majority in the village. Some
other villagers, even if they do not clear forest themselves, are prepared to
sell national reserve forest land to outsiders who come in and clear forest.
These outsiders usually claim to be poor and landless, but this is not usually
true. Most already have a small, but sufficient, area of land with proper legal
land documents, elsewhere in adjacent provinces such as Nakhon Si Thammarat.
This can be sold at a high price, enabling them to buy a roughly ten-times
greater of land lacking documents inside the national reserve forest. Sure in
the knowledge that they will go unpunished, thanks to the lack of any coherent
government policy on forest and land-issues, they invest much money in planting
oil-palm (now the crop of choice over rubber, even for smallholders). KNCP staff
are assisting Mr. Kamol and Krabi province administration to monitor the
situation.

Contributed by Khao Nor Chuchi Lowland Forest Project

RECENT REPORTS August-October 1998

Over 100 Indian Shags were seen nesting at Wat Nimitsatharam, Phanat
Nikhom (Chonburi) on 14 August (UB, TT). This is a new site for this nationally
threatened species. An Oriental Darter was seen in flight over Prawase
(Bangkok) on 1 October (KR).

Two Great-billed Herons were reported from Khlong 5, Phru To Daeng
(Narathiwat) on 14 October (TT). This is an extraordinary record of a globally
threatened species which has not been reliably recorded in Thailand for many
years. It has not proved possible to substantiate any other post-1980 records,
so some follow-up of the current sighting is urgently required, especially as
the habitat (Melaleuca scrub, freshwater canal and open grass field)
seems atypical for this primarily coastal species.

A juvenile Malayan Night-Heron was seen at Khao Nor Chuchi (Krabi) on
28 October (HJ). 112 Painted Storks, together with 25 Spot-billed
Pelicans, were feeding on a huge (ca. 1 km2) prawn-pond which was
being drained near Wat Khao Takhrao, Ban Laem District (Phetchaburi) on 12
September (AW). 50 Painted Storks and 4 Spot-billed Pelicans were
still present on 23 September (PC). A single Milky Stork was seen in this
flock on 24 September (PC) and 25 September (PC,AS,ST et al.), with 3
on 28 September (JV et al.) and 4 on 29 September (TT). One Milky
Stork was present until at least 4 October (SS). There is only one previous
record of Milky Stork for Thailand, a specimen collected from Satun Province,
over 60 years ago. A single bird at Samut Prakan in winter 1993-1994 was
presumed to have been an escape from captivity. The origins of the present birds
might perhaps be questioned, but the most likely explanation is that they are of
Cambodian origin. Some Painted Storks have been seen in the Samut Songkhram to
Phetchaburi over many years during the period September to November. Movements
of storks and pelicans have also been seen in the hills dividing Thailand from
Burma and elsewhere. Where do these birds come from and where? Movements of
larger waterbirds are little understood. Do they constitute regular migrations
or less regular, opportunistic dispersive movements?

Osprey was reported from Ban Laem district (Phetchaburi) on 12
September (AW). About 350 Black Bazas and 4-5 Grey-faced Buzzards
flew west over the prawn-ponds near Samut Songkhram on 24 October (PDR). A male
Japanese Sparrowhawk was reported from Khao Yai on 1 September (TT) with
another (age/sex not noted) at Rangjan (Samut Sakhon) on 12 September (KUWC). A
male Pied Harrier was seen at Lam Ta Seng, Bung Boraphet (Nakhan Sawan)
on 10 October (WPA, SP). A pair of Bat Hawks were observed breeding in
the Bala part of Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary (Narathiwat) from early June, when
a nest was being built 40 m up in a Koompasssia excelsa tree (ST). A
single young was reported to have hatched on or around 20 September (ST). The
part-grown single young, white with feathers in pin, was being fed when visited
by UT on 17 October.

The first Grey-headed Lapwing of the autumn was seen at Wat Kusalot,
Sena District (Ayutthaya) on 1 October (KR). About 20 Eurasian Curlew, 5
Black-tailed Godwits, 2 AsianDowitchers, and 5-6
Broad-billed Sandpipers were reported from Rangjan on 12 September, with 80
Black-tailed Godwits on the following day (KUWC). 20 Spotted Redshank
at the same locality on 12 September (KUWC) seems an atypically early date for
this later-arriving species. A single Caspian Tern and two Gull-billed
Terns at Bang Kaew (Phetchaburi) on 22 August (AW) were unusually early
records. Over 20 Great Crested Terns were seen at Tambol Pakthalae, Ban
Laem District on 26 September (AW).

Two Pink-necked Pigeons were seen at Bung Boraphet on 3 October
(EH,UT) with a flock of more than 10 at Ban Laem in early October (SP). A
Chestnut-winged Cuckoo was seen at the headquarters of Huai Kha Khaeng
(Uthai Thani) on 15 September (KI). A colony of White-bellied Swiftlets
was found at a waterfall in near Ya De, Bala, Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary on 2
October when many nests had 2 eggs (TT). Westwards passage of Blue-tailed
Bee-eaters was apparent at Rangjan during 12-13 September (KUWC). A
Crested Kingfisher was reported from Mae Wong National Park (Nakhon Sawan)
on 9 August (KUWC) and another from Tao Dam Waterfall, Khlong Wang Chao National
Park (Kamphaengphet) on 6 September (WS). A migrant black-backed Oriental
Dwarf Kingfisher was seen at Rangjan on 13 September (KUWC) and a presumably
resident pair at Tabo-Huai Yai Wildlife Sanctuary, Phetchabun on 13 August
(KUWC). The earliest Black-capped Kingfishers were at Huai Kha Khaeng
(seen daily, 13-16 September; KI) and at Khao Sam Roi Yot (Prachuap Khiri Khan)
on 19 September (AW). A Eurasian Wryneck was seen at Lam Ta Seng, Bung
Boraphet on 10 October (WPA,SP).

Three pairs of Wire-tailed Swallows were reported from Mae Hia,
(Chiang Mai) on 18 September (JK). Striated Swallows were seen
nest-building in Tabo-Huai Yai Wildlife Sanctuary (Phetchabun) during 12-15
August (KUWC). A single Burmese Yuhina was seen at Mae Wong on 9 August
(KUWC).

Stonechats were perhaps moving through Huai Kha Khaeng on passage
during mid-September, with 20 birds in the Kapuk Kapieng Sub-station compound on
11 September. Numbers had declined to ca. 5 by 17 September (KI). The earliest
Siberian Blue Robin was a male at Huai Kha Khaeng on 11 September (KI).
Two further male Siberian Blue Robins were seen at Rangjan on 12
September, when other migrants included 3-4 Eastern Crowned Warblers and
2 Pallas's Grasshopper Warblers (KUWC). The earliest recorded Eastern
Crowned Warbler was at Kasetsart University, Bangkhen on 29 August (KUWC)
and the first Dusky Warbler at Ban Laem on 26 September (BCST). A
Yellow-vented Warbler was reported from Doi Khun Tan National Park (Lampang)
on 24 October (TT). Black-browed Reed Warblers were first noted on 20
September at Raminthra (Bangkok) (UT).

The earliest-reported Asian Brown Flycatchers were on 13 September at
Ban Laem (AW), and Rangjan (3 birds; KUWC). Two Dark-sided Flycatchers
were seen at Huai Kha Khaeng on 13 September (KI). Adult male Yellow-rumped
Flycatchers were seen at Kasetsart University, Bangkhen on 24 August and 12
September (KUWC); Rangjan (Samut Sakhon), 31 August (KB), 12 September (KUWC);
and Huai Kha Khaeng, 12 September (KI). There were said to be 6-7
Yellow-rumped Flycatchers at Rangjan the following day (KWC). A further
bird, thought to be a male "Green-backed" Narcissus Flycatcher (race
elisae) was also reported (KUWC), but the description supplied was
inadequate to confirm this. Another male Yellow-rumped Flycatcher was
seen at Thung Salaeng Luang (Phitsanuloke) on 19 September (BCST) with female or
immatures at Wat Asokaram (Samut Prakan) on 13 September (PC, AS,ST), Huai Kha
Khaeng on 15 September and 16 September (KI) and Ban Laem, 26 September (BCST).
Khao Nor Chuchi (Krabi) produced a Ferruginous Flycatcher and a
first-year male glaucicomansBlue-throated Flycatcher on 27
October, with a second first-year male glaucicomans on 28 October
(KB,YM).

A presumed migrant Asian Paradise-flycatcher was seen, along with
Arctic Warbler and Tiger Shrike in mangroves at Ban Laem on 12
September (AW) A female Japanese Paradise-flycatcher was claimed nearby
in the ground of Bang Tabun Witaya School on 13 September (AW). Three more
Asian Paradise-flycatchers, thought to be the race incei, were seen
at Rangjan on 12 September with 4-5 on the following day (KUWC). Another (race
not noted) was at Wat Asokaram on 13 September (PC,AS,ST). There were 3 Tiger
Shrikes at Rangjan on 12 September (KUWC). Tiger Shrikes were seen
daily in Huai Kha Khaeng during 11-16 July (KI). The earliest Brown Shrike
was at Tabo-Huai Yai Wildlife Sanctuary on 17 August (KUWC) and a Burmese
Shrike was seen at Thung Salaeng Luang on 19 September (BCST). A Burmese
Shrike was seen in Lumphini Park on 3 October (BCST). The earliest Forest
Wagtails were 2 birds at Tabo Forest Plantation (Phetchabun) on 13 August
(KUWC). 2 Grey Wagtails were seen in Khao Yai on 18 July (BCST); 4 at Mae
Wong on 8 August and 6-7 at Tabo Forest Plantation on 13 August (KUWC). A
leucopsis race White Wagtail at Kapuk Kapieng, Huai Kha Khaeng, on
16 September (KI) was an early record. A steady trickle of Yellow Wagtails
flew westwards along the coast at Rangjan during 12-13 September (KUWC). There
were 3 White-shouldered Starlings at Khao Sam Roi Yot on 27 September
(BBT); 20 at Lam Ta Seng on 10 October (WPA,SP) and 6 Purple-backed Starlings
at Bangkhen on 13 September (KUWC) with a further Purple-backed Starling
at Muang District, Prachuap Khiri Khan on 19 September (AW). A female Asian
Golden Weaver was seen feeding young in a nest at Bung Boraphet (Nakhon
Sawan) on 3 October (EH,UT). A male House Sparrow was seen at Sanam Luang
(Bangkok) on 3 September (WS). 400 House Sparrows, thought to be a
roosting concentration, were seen at Khlong Larn (Kamphaengphet) on 15 August
(KUWC). Chestnut Munias were seen in grassy areas around the margin of
prawn-ponds in Ban Laem 12 September (AW) and 6 adults and ca. 20 juveniles at
Rangjan on the same date (KUWC).

RECENT REPORTS May - August 1998

Scarcer Residents

An Oriental Darter was seen near Ayuthhaya on 3 July (SM). Malayan
Night-Heron was seen at Khao Ang Ru Nai WS (Chachoengsao) on 28 June, near
the guard station for Bor Thong waterfall (KUWSC), a Black Baza at Mae
Wong National Park (Nakhon Sawan) on 29 May (KUWSC); a Rufous-winged Buzzard
at Phu Si Than Wildlife Sanctuary (Kalasin) on 24 May (KUWSC); and a
Wallace's Hawk Eagle at Khao Chong (Trang) on 9 July (TT).

A Slaty-legged Crake was seen on Khao Khieo, Huai Kha Khaeng Wildlife
Sanctuary (Uthai Thani) on 15 May (WS). There was a single male Malaysian
Plover at the newly-established Thung Thalae Non Hunting Area, Ko Lanta
(Krabi) on 7 August (KB,PJ,KR), with 4 more, 2 males and 2 females, along with
10 Little Terns, at Pranburi Forest Park (Prachuap) on 11 June (JV).
There were 3 Northern Thick-knees on fields at Kanchanaburi Horticultural
Research Station on 25 June; 5 on 29 June and 2 on 9 July (IG). Other records of
this species came from Phanat Nikhom (Cholburi) where a nest and two eggs was
found on 20 February 1996; two birds were seen in March 1997, and a single bird
was seen on 5 March 1998 (WJ).

A male Savanna Nighthar was seen at Tambol Nong Ya (Kanchanaburi) on 7
June (PDR,TT). A Cinnamon-rumped Trogon (sex not reported) was claimed
from Khao Chong on 13 July (TT). A pair of Crested Kingfishers was seen
at Khlong Khlung, Mae Wong on 29 May (KUWSC) and a Pied Kingfisher at Wa
Ko (Prachuap) on 1 June (JV). A Red -crowned Barbet was noted at Thung
Khaay Botanical Garden (Trang), 22 April (KUWSC). A White-browed Piculet
near the headquarters of Khao Sok National Park on 3 June (TT) is possibly only
the third record of this species south of the Kra Isthmus. 4 Black-and-red
Broadbills were seen at Khao Ang Ru Nai on 6 July (KUWSC). Giant Pitta
and Chestnut-capped Thrush were both heard singing at Bang Tieo (Krabi)
on 15 August (YM,AP,PDR).

A male Orange-headed Thrush was seen along the access road to Phu Kum
Khao, Nam Nao National Park (Phetchabun) on 1 June (PJ, NN,JS). Four
Coral-billed Scimitar-Babblers were reported from Km 93, Mae Wong on 20 May
(KUWSC) and 3-4 Red-billed Scimitar Babblers on Khao Khieo, HKK on 16 May
(WS).

A male Gould's Sunbird in full plumage at Doi Ang Khang on 23 August
(UT) is further grounds for suspicion that this is a breeding, rather than a
wintering, bird in the north.

Asian Golden Weavers were found nesting near Bang Mot (Bangkok) on 1
August (TP) where there were said to be 30-40 birds, including recently fledged
young. Three pairs of Streaked Weavers were nest-building at Wat Ban
Khaay (Rayong) on 20 May and 2 June (UB,TT).

Spring migration

We are still receiving records from the spring migration, the most
significant of which are: White-throated Needletail at Khao Khieo, HKK on
4 May (WS); Black-capped Kingfisher on 14 May at Khao Nang Rum, HKK; 100
Asian House Martins on Khao Khieo, HKK on 4 May, and still a few present as
late as 23 May (WS).

The latest record of Siberian Rubythroat (a male) was from Lat Krabang
(Bangkok) on 20 April (P?). There was a female White-throated Rock Thrush
at Khao Khieo, HKK on 8 May; a male Siberian Thrush on 4 May (WS), with
the last Eyebrowed Thrush at the same site on 5 May (WS). A Dusky
Warbler reported from Mae Wong on 30 May (KUWSC) would, if accepted, be the
latest spring record for this winter visitor. A Brown-chested Flycatcher
was seen and photographed on Khao Khieo, HKK on 2 May (WS). 2-3 Ferruginous
Flycatchers were seen at the same site on 2-3 May, with possibly as many as
20 birds in total being present from then until 9 May (WS). An estimated 25
Dark-sided Flycatchers were present during 5-7 May, with a female
Mugimaki Flycatcher on 3 May and 3 males on 5 May (WS). A Yellow-rumped
Flycatcher was seen at Thung Khaay on 22 April (KUWSC).

A late spring migrant report was of a macronyx race Yellow
Wagtail at the Science Park, Wa Ko on 1 June (JV). Tiger Shrikes were
reported from Thung Khaay on 22 April (KUWSC) and Khao Khieo, Huai Kha Khaeng
(2-3 daily during 3-19 April: WS).

Autumn migration

A female Lesser Frigatebird was seen off Thung Thale on 7 August
(KB,PJ,KR). 8 Eurasian Curlew were present at Ban Tha Maphrao (Krabi) on
5 August and 5 Greater Sand Plovers on Ko Lanta Yai on 7 August
(KB,PJ,KR). There were only about 30 Whimbrel and 50 Sand Plovers
(both Lessers and Greaters) at Paknam Krabi on 16 August (AP,PDR).

The earliest Grey Wagtail was at Khao Yai on 4 July (SM). A Forest
Wagtail was seen at Nam Nao on 9 August (BC). A Tiger Shrike was
reported from Nam Nao on either 26 or 27 July (KI), and another from the foot of
Doi Chiang Dao on 24 August (UT). The earliest arrivals are usually suspected to
be adults, though since adult Tiger Shrike has a complete moult into a
non-breeding plumage, adults and immatures can be difficult to distinguish in
autumn.

Nesting records

A Malayan Night Heron incubating at a nest in Kaeng Krachan
(Phetchaburi) during 30-31 May (SP,TT,ST) was said to be very shy and easily
disturbed. A young bird apparently fledged from this nest on 19 June (Anon). A
female Kalij Pheasant was seen with 3-4 young, Khao Khieo, HKK, 23 May
(WS). Incubating Crested Treeswifts were found at Phu Khieo (Chaiyaphum)
20 May (KUWSC) and Khao Ang Ru Nai on 28 June (KUWSC). In both cases, the adults
shared incubation, swapping over at intervals throughout the day. An adult
Spotted Wood Owl with two juveniles was seen at Khao Chong during 11-13 July
(TT). A pair of Diard's Trogons with a single young were also found on 13
July (TT). A single young Rufous-necked Hornbill fledged from a nest on
Khao Khieo, HKK only 8 minutes after the female broke out on 25 May (WS). A
female Grey-headed Woodpecker was apparently excavating a nest-hole at
HKK on 21 May (WS). Two nests of Black-and-red Broadbill (one building;
one feeding young in the nest) were found at Ban Klang, and on the way to Khao
Pakarang, Kaeng Krachan during 19-20 June (Anon.). A Silver-breasted
Broadbill was incubating at Pong Phai-Pong Hai, Phu Khieo on 14 May (KUWSC).
A Lesser Green Leafbird was feeding young on the point of fledging at
Thung Kaay, 22 April (KUWSC). Black-crested Bulbul was incubating at Huai
Thaak, A. Ngao (Lampang) during 27 March to 2 April (KUWSC) while an Olive
Bulbul was seen with a fledgling at Khao Khieo, HKK on 23 May (WS). A
Racket-tailed Treepie was incubating at Km 11, Kaeng Krachan on 19-20 June
(Anon.).

A pair of Streaked Wren Babblers were nest building at Khao Khieo, HKK
on 7 May, while another complete nest of the same species was found at a second
site on the mountain on 15 May (WS). A Black-throated Laughingthrush was
incubating on 22 May near the Thung Wilai Watershed station, Phu Khieo (KUWSC).
A nest and two eggs of White-browed Shortwing was seen on the summit of
Doi Inthanon on 7 June (CB,JC); and a nest and three eggs of White-tailed
Robin at Mae Puh, Doi Ang Khang (Chiang Mai) on 17 June (PDR). An incubating
White-crowned Forktail was found at Doi Inthanon on 4 April (KUWSC),
while 3 young fledged from another White-crowned Forktail nest on Doi
Suthep on 27 April (CB,JK). An incubating Orange-headed Thrush was seen
on a nest at Khao Khieo, HKK on 16 May (WS). A Yellow-bellied Prinia was
incubating near the Nature Walkway, Sirindhorn Research Center Phru To Daeng
(Narathiwat) 11 April (KUWSC). At Khao Khieo, HKK, a recently fledged juvenile
Verditer Flycatcher, was seen with an adult female on 18 May, and a
juvenile Blue-throated Flycatcher with a male in attendance on 19 May
(WS). Two nests of Hill Blue Flycatcher were found on Doi Pui on 3 May
(CB,JK).

Renewed Forest Encroachment at Ban Nai Chong

The patch of lowland rain forest at Ban Nai Chong, Muang District, Krabi is
under renewed threat. BCST survey workers working with the Khao Nor Chuchi
Lowland Forest Project noticed two new clearings in part of the forest on 8
August. When the researchers visited the site on 8 August, they found a Surat
Thani registered pickup truck transporting trees for planting on two plots, each
100 m long by 12 m wide.

BCST has written to Dr Sira Chavanavirach, Governor of Krabi, in order to
request his personal intervention to stop this encroachment.

Although Ban Nai Chong is a very small area of forest, perhaps only 1-2 sq.
km. it still supports a rich forest avifauna. Gould's Frogmouth,
Checker-throated Woodpecker, Black-throated Babbler and Malaysian Rail-babbler
are all still found at this site. The towering trees which line both sides of
the road at Ban Nai Chong make a refreshing change from the monotonous expanses
of rubber and oil-palm found elsewhere in the province.

Kor Bor 8 (a forest protection unit under the Krabi Province Forest Office)
is only 1-2 km away from where the new encroachment has taken place, so there is
no reasonable excuse for not acting swiftly. Ironically, and sadly, it was a
Thai government agency which previously destroyed most of the forest at Khao
Chong in order to set up an agricultural extension station, during 1985-1986.
Since then, however, the greatly diminished area of forest has stayed more or
less intact, although the area has also been disturbed by a subsequent (RFD)
project involving experimental planting of rattans. The huge Parashorea
and other trees lining the road are nonetheless a magnificent site, greeting all
visitors to Krabi town. The site remains firmly on the itinerary of the many
visiting birdwatchers who have helped boost tourism in Krabi, along with Khao
Nor Chuchi and Krabi mangroves. So BCST is hoping for a speedy response to put
an end to this latest encroachment from Krabi Province Administration.

A sighting of a breeding plumage Indian Pond Heron in paddies at A.
Muang (Krabi) on 22 May (PDR,SS), near the same site where a bird was seen a
year ago, suggests this species is an annual non-breeding visitor in the
peninsula. Male Schrenck's Bitterns were recorded at Khao Pu-Khao Ya
(Phatthalung) during mid-December 1997, 26 February 1998; and during 20-26 April
(photographed; MC). A female Schrenck's Bittern was seen at Phaen Din
Samur (Krabi/Trang) on 18 May (RT) with two Black Bitterns at Bang Tieo
on 10 May (RT). Fifty Black Bazas were present at a roost at the
Kamphaengsaen scout camp (Nakhon Pathom) on 22 February (TT). A Water Rail
was seen at Nong Bong Khai, Chiang Saen (Chiang Rai) on 16 April (TT), two
Common Ringed Plovers at Rim Khong, Chiang Saen on 16 April (TT), while a
breeding plumage Oriental Plover on a sand beach at Lun Tee Bay, Ko Phi
Phi Don on 7 May was a "first" for the Thai peninsula (SB, RM,RT).

A Chestnut-winged Cuckoo was seen at Mae Jo (Chiang Mai) on 13 March,
together with a "Grey" Cuckoo, either Common or, more likely, migrant
Oriental Cuckoo (RK).

Ruddy Kingfishers, presumed passage migrants, were seen at Thung
Salaeng Luang (Phitsanuloke) during (11-14)April; TT), Khao Pu-Khao Ya
(photographed) on 25 April (MC), Khung Krabaen Bay (Chanthaburi) on 26 April
(BS) and Bang Tieo (where the species was at least formerly resident) on 21 May
(PJ). An unusually late date for Black-capped Kingfisher was 11 May at
Kaeng Krachan (W&EM, UT).

The last Siberian Blue Robins at Bang Tieo were recorded on 2 May, 4
May and 10 May (RT). A White-throated Rock Thrush was seen near Khao Yai
headquarters on 12 April (WN); a Black-breasted Thrush at Doi Inthanon
(Km 37) on 15 March (RK), with Grey-sided Thrushes from the summit of Doi
Pui (3 on 7 February, RK) and the upper slopes of Doi Inthanon (2 on 28 February
and 15 March: RK). Lanceolated Warblers were recorded at Bang Tieo on 9
May, on 10 May (3 birds; RT) and 21 May (PJ). A Brown-chested Flycatcher
was seen at Hala-Bala on 30 April ((TT); Dark-sided Flycatchers at Bang
Tieo on 14 May (RT) and Kaeng Krachan on 18 May (W&EM,UT); and a Mugimaki
Flycatcher at Thung Saleng Luang during (11-14) April (TT). The latest
Yellow-rumped Flycatcher at Bang Tieo was a female or immature on 4 May
(RT). A female Blue-and-white Flycatcher was seen on Khao Khieo, Huai Kha
Khaeng (Uthai Thani) on 17 April (WS). A male and female Japanese
Paradise-flycatcher were seen at Khung Krabaen Bay on 26 April (BS).
Tiger Shrikes were recorded from Khung Krabaen Bay on 26 April (BS) and at
Bang Tieo as follows: males 1 May and 7 May; females 2 May and 12 May (KR, RT).
A Rosy Pipit was reported from Patang (Chiang Rai) on 20 February
(PJu,NN).

Scarce breeders, nesting records, etc.

A Malayan Night Heron heard calling in Hala Bala Wildlife Sanctuary
(Narathiwat) on 27 April (TS,JS,TT,UT), suggesting at least the possibility of
breeding there. Its name notwithstanding, it is, so far as known, a non-breeding
visitor to the Thai-Malay Peninsula.

A Lesser Fish Eagle was seen on the Khlong Sok, Khao Sok National Park
(Surat Thani) on 9 May , with a possible Grey-headed Fish Eagle on the
following day (WN). An adult Wallace's Hawk-Eagle was seen at Bang Tieo
on 6 May (KR). Two Long-billed Patrtridges were reported from Km 18,
Kaeng Krachan on 12 April (PD, WS) and a female with two young was in the same
general area on 16 May (TT). Two Northern Thick-knees were seen near
Tambol Nong-ya (Kanchanaburi) on 23 April (IG), with three more on an open
grassy area at Bang Phra on 9 May (BS). "Many" Pheasant-tailed Jacanas
were present at Bang Poo on 22 April (S?, M?). A pair of Greater Paintedsnipe
with 2 small young was seen at Bang Phra (Chonburi) on 9 May (BS).

Two Little Green Pigeons (both females) were seen at Khao Lak Kai,
Khlong Thom (Krabi) on 22 May (PJ, YM,KR,RT); there was a "large flock" of
Orange-breasted Pigeons at Wa Ko (Prachuap Khiri Khan) on 1 February (TT);
while 2 male and 3 female Pink-necked Pigeons appeared at Suan Bang Mot
(Bangkok) on 18 April (CP). A Yellow-footed Pigeon at Km 12, Doi Inthanon
on 23 May (W&EM,UT) was a rare and welcome sighting.

A singing Common Cuckoo was present at Doi Ang Khang (Chiang Mai) on
24 May, as were 3 Lesser Cuckoos (one seen and 2 heard) (W&EM,UT).

Two Short-toed Coucals, heard at Hala Bala on 29-30 April
(TS,JS,TT,UT), were the first records of a species whose presence in Thailand
had long been predicted. At least 3 Gould's Frogmouths were heard at
Hala-Bala on 27 April (TS,JS,TT,UT) with 3 Gould's Frogmouths, 6-7
Javan Frogmouths and a Reddish Scops Owl (the latter heard only) near
Khao Pu-Khao Ya National Park headquarters (Phattalung) on 24-25 May (MC,PDR). A
White-fronted Scops Owl seen in daylight near Huai Mae Dee, Huai Kha
Khaeng Wildlife Sanctuary on 16 March (B&JS,UT) was a major northern extension
of the range of this Sundaic species. Three White-fronted Scops Owls were
found roosting together at Hala-Bala on 28 April (TS,JS,TT,UT).

Nests of Pacific Swifts with eggs and young were observed at Nam Lod
Cave, Soppong, (Mae Hongson) during 12-14 May (PDR), though Himalayan
Swiftlets, reportedly roosting there during the winter months, were almost
certainly absent. A pair of Cinnamon-rumped Trogons was seen at Bang Tieo
on 16 May (PJ).

Rufous-collared Kingfishers were recorded from the Khlong Kolok area
of Hala-Bala Wildlife Sanctuary during 28-29 April (TT,UT); from Bang Tieo on 6
May (a male; KR) and Ban Nai Chong (Krabi), a pair, on 21 May (YM).

A pair of Rufous-bellied Woodpeckers at the known site at Soppong had
a single fledged young on 12 May (PDR). A Hooded Pitta was reported from
Suan Faak Faa, Sanam Chai Khaet (Chachoengsao) during 1-3 May (WN). Two
Garnet Pittas were recorded from one of the few previously known localities
in the far south, along the Khlong Kolok, Hala-Bala on 22 April (TT). A nest and
3 eggs of Striped Tit-Babbler was seen at Khao Lak Kai on 22 May (PJ,
YM,KR,RT). White-browed Laughingthrush was recorded from Patang on 20
February (PJ,NN). Three Rufous-tailed Shamas were seen at Hala-Bala on 1
May and two more on 2 May (TS,JS,TT,UT). There were also 2 Chestnut-capped
Thrushes at Hala-Bala on 28 April (TS,JS,TT,UT); two more fed on fallen
fruit beneath a fig-tree near Bang Tieo on 20 May (KR), one of which was again
seen on 23 May (PDR). A nest and 2 young of Fulvous-chested Flycatcher
was seen in the slot cut by a resin tapper in a Dipterocarpus tree at
Khao Lak Kai on 22 May ((PJ,YM,KR,RT). A nest of the resident siamensis
race of Asian Brown Flycatcher was seen at Doi Chiang Dao on 8 May, with
a second pair close by with two fledged young (PDR).

There were 2 Chestnut Munias at Bang Poo on 22 April (S?, M?); 10
Asian Golden Weavers of both sexes, together with unfinished nests in
Samanea trees (???) around fish-ponds at the Faculty of Agriculture, Khon
Kaen University, 21 May (NN); and two male and three female House Sparrows
on electric wires at Tilosu Waterfall, Umphang (Tak) on 8 May (KC, CP).

List of birds were also received from Panuwat Julawat and Nomjit Nualnetr for
Sri Phang-nga National Park (Phang-nga), and from the Krung Ching area of Khao
Luang National Park (Nakhon Si Thammarat); and from Khao Sok National Park
headquarters area (BCST Trip).

Compiled by Philip D. Round and Roongroj Jugmongkol

RECENT REPORTS, January-April 1998

A few late-submitted records dating from the midwinter period lead on into
the spring proper, with a bumper harvest of breeding records and observations of
passage migrants. One is reminded how the efforts of a few observers can make
all the difference from month to month. Thank you one and all for sending in
your records.

As a reminder, I should mention that while we get lots of records for the
first arriving commoner migrants in autumn, and always a good number of records
for passage migrants in both autumn and spring, we get relatively few records
detailing the last recorded dates in spring of commoner wintering species. When
did you see your last Common Kingfisher, your last Brown Shrike, Common
Stonechat, Blue Rock Thrush, Siberian Rubythroat or Inornate Warbler? Please let
us know!

The drake Mallard was still present on the Chiang Rai area, on Nong Bong
Khai, Chiang Saen (Chiang Rai) on 5 April along with a Spot-billed Duck
(PD,PS,SS). Six further Spot-billed Ducks were seen on the Mekong River nearby
(PD,PS,SS). Black Bazas were noted at Khao Pu-Khao Ya (Phatthalung) on 6 March
and 17 March (MG). A Short-toed Eagle and 4 Chinese Goshawks were reported from
Kaeng Krachan NP (Phetchaburi) on 2 April (WBSJ Tour). Other Chinese Goshawks
were reported from Khao Pu-Khao Ya on 16 March (MG) and Khao Sok (Surat Thani)
on 14 April (NCC). An immature Northern Goshawk was seen on Doi Inthanon (Chiang
Mai) on 2 March (PM) and an adult White-bellied Sea Eagle at Langsuan (Chumphon)
on 15 April (CB). A probable Bat Hawk was seen near Bang Tieo (Krabi) on 16
April (RT). One male and two female Hume's Pheasants were seen in the vicinity
of Den Ya Khat, Doi Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary (Chiang Mai) during 2-3 April
(TT).

A Yellow-legged Buttonquail at Bang Khram (Krabi) on 27 March (YM) was the
first record for the peninsula south of Chumphon, and confirms from villagers'
previous reports of the presence two species of buttonquail in the area. The
bird was taken by a villager, dazzled at a roost along with a Blue-breasted
Quail, and was photographed.

A Watercock together with one or two Slaty-breasted Rails on a pond at Bang
Tieo on 8-9 April (YM,PDR) were thought to be north-bound passage migrants. A
Water Rail was seen at Nong Bong Khai (Chiang Saen) on 21 February (MN,WN,KS)
and another reportedly seen daily on Ko Samui (Surat Thani) during 25 February-3
March (MG). Three Black-tailed Crakes were present near the Den Ya Khat, Doi
Chiang Dao Wildlife Sanctuary during 25-27 March (TT), thus confirming an
earlier report of the species at this site.

Two Red-necked Phalaropes were seen on the Mekong River at Chiang Saen on 5
April (PD,PS,SS). A Sharp-tailed Sandpiper was photographed at Bangpoo (Samut
Prakan) on 30 March (KS). A nesting colony of ca. 30 Red-breasted Parakeets was
found in tall Dipterocarpus alatus in the grounds of Wat Suan Yai, Bang Kruay
(Nonthaburi) on 7 March, while a male and female Rose-ringed Parakeet were
investigating a nest-hole at Suan Bang Phlat (Bangkok) on the same day
(SK,PP,SP,SPar). Might this species establish itself from escaped cagebirds as
it has done in so many other countries?

Single Chestnut-winged Cuckoos were seen at Huai Mae Dee, Huai Kha Khaeng on
17 March; Kaeng Krachan on 20 March (B&JS,UT) and 21 March (BCST); and in the
dry dipterocarp forest on the lower slopes of Doi Inthanon on 30 March (WBSJ
Tour). A Drongo Cuckoo and a male Asian Emerald Cuckoo were seen in Lumphini
Park (Bangkok) on 18 February (MN,WN,KS,SoP). A Spotted Wood Owl was seen at
Laem Son (Ranong) on 5 February (MG). The first migrant Blue-tailed Bee-eaters
(10 birds) were noted at Khao Pu-Khao Ya on 8 March (MG), and heavy passage was
noted in the Bang Tieo-Bang Khram area during 8-10 April (PDR). A black-backed
Oriental Dwarf Kingfisher was seen at Pattaya (Chonburi) on 26 March (BL). A
Ruddy Kingfisher at Kaeng Krachan on 21 March (BCST) was presumed to have been a
migrant as (certainly) was another at Doi Ang Khang (Chiang Mai) on 4 April
(TT).

The earliest Hooded Pitta was at Wat Kaew (Krabi) on 29 March, with another
at Thung Tieo on 31 March (YM). Migrant Blue-winged Pittas were heard calling in
flight at night at Bang Khram from about the end of March onwards into early
April (YM) and were then plentiful in the Khao Nor Chuchi Project area from
about 17 April onwards (RT). Three Red-whiskered Bulbuls (a scarce bird in the
Bangkok area) were seen at Mu Ban Phutthaan (Nong Khaem) on 20 April (RJ). Nest
and young of White-headed Bulbul was seen on Doi Ang Khang on 20 March (TT). A
Racket-tailed Treepie was heard in a Casuarina grove at Laem Talumphuk (Nakhon
Si Thammarat) on 11 April (PDR).

One male and two female Fire-capped Tits were seen on the Mae Jaem Road, Doi
Inthanon (Chiang Mai) on 28 January (Field Guides Tour, UT). Two Giant
Nuthatches were seen near Ban Luang, Doi Ang Khang, where the species is now
very scarce, on 25 March (TT). A nest and young of Giant Nuthatch was found in a
Pinus kesiya tree at Doi Chiang Dao on (25-27) March (TT). A Striped Wren
Babbler at Bang Tieo on 18 April (RT) is the first record in the project area
since 1992. Three Spot-breasted Laughingthrushes were heard singing on Doi Ang
Khang, 19 February (PK,AL,PS,UT). A Red-tailed Laughingthrush was seen together
with Red-faced Liocichlas at the same site on 27 March (TT).

At least a few Siberian Blue Robins were recorded up to at least 30 April at
Bang Tieo (MT,EV). A significant passage of Siberian Thrushes was noted at Khao
Khieo, Huai Kha Khaeng, with 5 (3 males and 2 females) on 22 March (taking fruit
of Vitex sp.); 2-6 daily thereafter to 2 April when a total of 25 Siberian
Thrushes and 10 Orange-headed Thrushes was noted, feeding in a fruiting fig
(WS). Another Siberian Thrush was seen at the Khok Nok Kraba Substation of Phu
Luang Wildlife Sanctuary during 4-6 April (AP,DP). 30 Eyebrowed Thrushes were
present on Khao Khieo, Huai Kha Khaeng on 29 March (WS). A male Black-breasted
Thrush was seen in the Mae Puh valley on Doi Ang Khang, 19 February
(PK,AL,PS,UT). Two Stub-tailed Bush Warblers were seen on Khao Khieo, Huai Kha
Khaeng on 21 March (WS).

Ferruginous Flycatchers were reported from Khao Khieo, Huai Kha Khaeng,
presumably on northward spring passage, as follows: one on 18 March, 3 more
during 20-23 March, and one on 13 April (WS). Another was photographed in a
garden in Pattaya on 13 April (BL).

The first Yellow-rumped Flycatcher, a female or immature, was seen at Khao
Pu-Khao Ya on 13 March (MG) Adult males were seen at Kaeng Krachan on 17 March
(B&JS, UT), 21 March (BCST), 22 March (BC) and 3 April (UT,WBSJ Tour); Khao Yai
4 April (MAA,KJ), with another bird, a female or immature, also at Kaeng Krachan
on 21 April (BCST). Five Yellow-rumped Flycatchers, including 3 adult males,
were recorded at Bang Tieo on 26 April (RT). A female elisae Narcissus
Flycatcher ("Green-backed Flycatcher") was a new record for Khao Yai National
Park on 22 April (PDR). Another female elisae wintered at Khao Pu-Khao Ya
National Park (MG). Male Mugimaki Flycatchers were seen at Khao Khieo, Huai Kha
Khaeng on 29 March and 15-16 April (WS), and Bang Tieo on 7 April (YM). A male
Ultramarine Flycatcher was reported from Doi Ang Khang on 27 March (TT) and
another at Khao Khieo, Huai Kha Khaeng on 2 April (WS). Blue-and-white
Flycatchers were recorded at Km 27.5, Kaeng Krachan (two birds) on 19 March
(B&JS,UT) and 21 March (AP,DP,BCST); at Khao Khieo, Huai Kha Khaeng on 29 March
(KU), and at Phu Luang, a male, during 4-6 April (AP,DP).

There was a Burmese Shrike in Lumphini Park on 18 February (MN,WN,KS,SoP) and
male Tiger Shrikes at Bang Tieo on 26 April and 27 April (RT). A pair of
Vinous-breasted Starlings were feeding nestlings on 21 April (RJ). The nest was
situated in a tamarind tree at the Phan Fa Bridge end of Ratchadamnoen Avenue
(Bangkok). A Japanese White-eye was seen nest building at the side of the road
near Km 31, Doi Inthanon on 31 March (UT,WBSJ). This is a new breeding record
for this species, hitherto only known as a winter visitor. A pair of
Ruby-cheeked Sunbirds were seen nest-building at Khao Yai, 22 April (MJ,PDR).

Mahidol University was a new locality in Bangkok for House Sparrow, when a
male was seen outside the Physics Department on 10 April (MAA). Six Black-headed
Greenfinches were seen near the San Pa Kia Agricultural Station on Doi Chiang
Dao on 29 January (NN).

Otter Civet at Kaeng Krachan National Park

Two Otter Civets (Cynogale bennetti) were seen in Kaeng Krachan National
Park, Phetchaburi by Mrs. Shanna Sheridan-Johnson on 12 March 1998, at approx. 9
a.m., along the road in lowland forest between the Km 15 and Km 18 markers. They
descended to a small stream at the side of the road and, a few seconds after
reaching the water, noticed the observer's presence and scurried away (but not
before the all the salient features had been noted). They were brown in colour,
had short, broad tails, partially webbed feet, wide mouths/snouts, and very long
whiskers. The underfur was said to be buffy, with grey tips at the end of the
hairs. Does anyone else know of any confirmed recent records of this species?

RECENT REPORTS, December 1997-March 1998

Thirteen Indian Shags were seen in the waterbird colony at Thasadet
(Suphanburi) on 30 January (WS) and a single Painted Stork at Thale Noi
(Phatthalung) on 14 January (NK). The lone Woolly-necked Stork at Kaeng Krachan
was again seen on 1 February (SjP,SR,PS). There were 2 Black-headed Ibises in
paddies along the road between B. Saam Thong to B. In Satharaam (Suphanburi) on
30 January (WS). Two Spot-billed Ducks were seen on Bung Boraphet on 17 March
(PPD,KT). A male Mallard was present on a pond at the Plant Research Station
(Chiang Rai), together with a Spot-billed Duck, 5-6 Northern Pintail and 2000
Lesser Whistling Duck on 9 February (NL) and 15 February (RK, SK). A male Tufted
Duck, 3 Baer's Pochard, 12 Ferruginous Pochard, 30 Northern Shoveler and 4-5
Common Teal were present among the Garganey at Nong Bong Khai, Chiang Saen
(Chiang Rai) on 27 December 1997 (WS).

Two Accipiter identified as Japanese Sparrowhawk and a Red-breasted Parakeet
were seen near Taling Chan Witaya School (Suphanburi) on 30 January (WS). A
roosting congregation of no fewer than 50 Black Bazas at KU Kamphaengsaen
(Nakhon Pathom) on 12 February, with 40 still present on 14 February and about
30 remaining on 21 February (UB, TT), was the largest number recorded in
mid-winter. There were two Eurasian Coots at Thale Noi on 17 January (PD,NK).
Two Grey-headed Lapwings were seen at Nong Bong Khai on 27 December (WS) and 5
at Lat Krabang (Bangkok) on 11 February (CB).

A Great Thick-knee, the first for many years, was present on a sandbar of the
Mekong River at Chiang Saen for part of one day on 26 February (AP) with a
Common Ringed Plover nearby on 27 February (AP). The Common Ringed Plover seems
to have been a long-stay bird as it was first reported by KS during 29-31
December. The same area held 350 Spotted Redshank and 120 Small Pratincoles on
28 December (WS). 4 Dunlin were also reported on the same day by the same
observer.

Two Grey-headed Fish-Eagles were reported from KU Camp on the upper
Phetchaburi River, Kaeng Krachan National Park on 7 February (RK,NL,TS). A
Northern Hobby took either a Pacific Swift or a swiftlet about to enter a cave
near Cave Lodge (Mae Hongson) on 4 March (JND). A male Hume's Pheasant was seen
on Doi Chiang Dao (Chiang Mai) on 2 January (WS). A White-bellied Pigeon was
reported from Sala Phrom Substation of Phu Khieo Wildlife Sanctuary (Chaiyaphum)
on 24 January (KUWC). No fewer than 33 Treron, thought to be Orange-breasted
Pigeons, were seen at Wa Ko (Prachuap Khiri Khan) on 24 January (CLTSRYG). There
were 3 Large Hawk-Cuckoos and a Chestnut-winged Cuckoo at KU Kamphaengsaen on 12
February (UB,TT). Another Large Hawk-Cuckoo was seen at KU Bangkhen (Bangkok) on
17 February (KU Wildlife Club); and a female Asian Emerald Cuckoo at Bang Phat
(Bangkok) on 18 January (SP).

Spot-bellied Eagle-Owl was heard calling near Soppong on 3 March (JND) and a
Buffy Fish-Owl seen in swamp woodland at Thale Noi on 16 January (PD). A
White-throated Needletail was present near Wilderness Lodge, 22 km west of
Soppong (Mae Hongson) on 1 March (JND). Apparent northward passage of
Blue-tailed Bee-eaters at Khao Pu-Khao Ya was noted from 8 March onwards (MG).
Red-crowned Barbet was reported from Thung Khai Botanical Garden (Trang) on 3
February (KUWC).

Doi Patang (Nan) held Crested Finchbill, Brown-breasted Bulbul, White-browed
Laughingthrush, Spot-breasted Parrotbill and White-bellied Redstart during 3-4
March (AP). This is the first record of Spot-breasted Parrotbill away from the
two nearby localities of Doi Pha Hom Pok and Doi Ang Khang. A Black-eared
Shrike-Babbler reported for Doi Chiang Dao on 31 December (WS) would, if
accepted, be a new record for that site.

A male Chestnut-naped Forktail was seen at Namtok Chong Fa, Khao Nan National
Park (Nakhon Si Thammarat) on 5 February (BC). A Grey-cheeked Warbler and
Yellow-browed Tit were among other birds reported from Doi Waaw (Nan) during
16-18 January (TT).

Blunt-winged Warbler and Chestnut Bunting were both reported from Khao Sam
Roi Yot on 20 February (KUWC) with a possible Paddyfield Warbler at Chiang Saen
on 28 December (WS). A male Manchurian Bush Warbler was seen and heard singing
at Chiang Saen on 27 February (AP). There was a female Mugimaki Flycatcher in
Khao Yai on 18 February (RJ) and a male Ultramarine Flycatcher at Soppong on 3
March (JND). A White-cheeked Starling, only the second record for Thailand, was
seen in Lumphini Park on 7 February (RJ). It was later photographed and was
reportedly still present in early March. Though presumed to have been wild, the
possibility of an escape from captivity should perhaps be considered. A juvenile
Black-headed Greenfinch was reported from Phu Wiang National Park (Khon Kaen) on
29 January (AS).

Lists of recent bird sightings for Phu Hin Rong Kla and Nam Nao National
Parks were submitted by PE.

(Note: The records in Recent Reports include unconfirmed sightings, and
should not be published elsewhere without prior consultation.)

He got all three!

Andy Pierce, who has visited Thailand many times to watch birds here, has the
enviable distinction of having seen all three of the thick-knees in Thailand! As
far as we know, he is the only person to have achieved this. He saw Northern
Thick-knee at Khao Sam Roi Yot in October 1993; Beach Thick-knee on Ko Surin
roughly one month later, and now has added Great Thick-knee. Well done Andy!